Daily Devotional Meditations and a Biblical Perspective on Current Events

Proverbs 13:18-19, 21 – God’s Way or the Highway!

I will consider three proverbial contrasts for our devotional today taken from Proverbs 13:18-19, 21. The first proverb stresses how a man’s attitude toward discipline and correction sets the course of his life and journey’s end.

Do you ever wonder how the man or woman holding a sign that reads, “Homeless, will work for food” ended up on that street corner? Granted, some deserve our charity because they are homeless as a result of sickness, unemployment or a family crisis. My heart goes out to them and I have stopped, given them money and a tract [while the church I pastor has often offered aid and comfort to those genuinely in need].

Let’s be honest, many who end up in “poverty and shame” fulfill the spiritual reality Solomon taught his son—rebel in your youth, disregard your parent’s counsel and you chart a course of sorrow and self-destruction!

By contrast, men and women who achieve success and have honors bestowed on them were generally learners in their youth and accepted correction and rebuke.

Success is sweet to the soul that does not lose hope (Proverbs 13:12) and sees the reward of God’s grace and blessing (13:19). The foolish, however, live for the fleeting pleasure of sin and are left wanting.

We often think of sinners in pursuit of sinful pleasures; however, verse 21 portrays sin as the hunter, not the hunted! Sin is an enemy of the soul and a troubled conscience and fear of discovery follow some to their graves. Make no mistake…sinful pleasures come with a payday (Galatians 6:7).

The righteous obeys God’s Law and He promises to reward them with His loving favor.